36. Speaking in metaphors
metaphor: a figure of speech that directly refers to one thing by mentioning another for rhetorical effect. It may provide clarity or identify hidden similarities between two ideas.
Metaphors are a double edged sword when it comes down to understanding a concept. On one hand, you have the ability to point out a relation that we possibly don't have a word for and supplant it onto another situation. When the metaphor is clear and true, then it is useful way of communicating a message across. When it is unclear, a false understanding could be obtained (too abstract) and if it is a false comparison - then a fallacy arises (happens way too often).
The way my brain works is often "relational" and I often compare and contrast certain things in the world. When someone really picks up what I'm putting down - I dig them. They can be my buddy. I often use metaphors and analogies in conversation. My friends are used to it! To me, analogies and metaphors are great shortcuts for drawing comparisons and conclusions. Their only shortcomings are when they don't actually add any clarity or context to what I'm trying to convey.
I just genuinely want people to understand me, but then feel like I failed when they don’t. So I’ll try anything really to relate to their way of thinking. I've learned to be a little more literal because a lot of the people in my life are really literal thinkers. I have a tendency to code-switch - whether it be in a foreign language situation, or a different niche of people, or approaching some new group, etc.
Harlem
by Langston Hughes
--
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
~ a shot of espresso,
<3 K